Spekulatius Spiced Cookies

Spekulatius are a thin, crisp, sweet baked cookie from traditional German cuisine. A recipe for spekulatius cookies generally involves flour, butter, raw or brown sugar, eggs, and spices. http://www.flavoreddelights.com/2010/03/a-special-christmas-cookie-tradition/

Many recipes do not include a raising agent other than egg, although baking powder or baker’s ammonia is used in others. Some recipes also omit the eggs, and almond flour is sometimes used in place of ordinary flour. Many recipes for spekulatius also include vanilla essence, and almond oil or almond essence. Spices commonly used for flavoring the spekulatius are cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cardamom.

The spices are an important feature of spekulatius cookies. Traditionally the dough is often cooled overnight after it is mixed, so that it has time to absorb the flavors of the spices.

Variations on spekulatius cookies include a more brittle, very buttery version; and versions which include a layer of slivered almonds or chocolate.http://www.vistawide.com/german/christmas/german_christmas_foods.htm

Spekulatius cookies are the German description of the very similar speculaas cookies from the Netherlands. Both kinds of traditional cookies are eaten in the Netherlands, Germany, and nearby areas around Christmas time. They are traditionally served as part of the celebration of St.Nicholas Day, and eaten on the eve of December 6. St. Nicholas is remembered in legends as a bearded, white-haired bishop who gave gifts to those in need, as well as children. St Nicholas is considered to be the origin of Santa Claus. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/kale-church-of-st-nicholas-myra.htm

The tradition imparts another important feature of spekulatius and speculaas cookies, which is an imprinted design stamped into the cookie. Originally the designs were made using a wooden mould, although different methods are often used today. The cookies are usually a roughly rectangular shape, and feature imprinted pictures of images from the legends related to St. Nicholas – such as a farmhouse, windmill, elephant, horse, ship, or St. Nicholas. http://www.flavoreddelights.com/2010/03/a-special-christmas-cookie-tradition/

Various theories exist about the origin of the names of the cookies. The Latin word “speculum” means “mirror”, perhaps referring to the mirror image that is imprinted on the cookie from the wooden mould. The word “spekulatius” is said to mean “image”. The Latin word “speculator” can mean “bishop”, in reference to St. Nicholas.

Spekulatius are often enjoyed with tea, coffee, or milk.